He reckons the wine will still be drinking well up to 2056 - but I'll have to take his word for it.
The 2008 is not all shiraz; there's a hint of cabernet sauvignon (2 per cent) just to "add a little interest and structure", says Lienert.
With 14.5 per cent alcohol, this is, as you would expect, a muscular wine but not overwhelming. It has subtle flavours of blueberry, mocha, licorice, malt, figs and panforte, all blending seamlessly with pronounced but smooth tannins.
Is this one of the greatest Granges ever? Having tried all but two from 1959 to 2008, I would say, in a word, yes.
Fortunately, though, there are less expensive, great quality Penfolds options. The recommended ones are still pricey but don't require a bank loan.
Recommended
2009 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz - $110
The first release was 1957 after four trial vintages. This wine has a little oak character with huge, sensuous aromatics and a smidgeon of cabernet (3 per cent) added from the Adelaide Hills to give it another dimension. It is magnificent and smoothly understated.
2010 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz - $70
This wine came to the market in 1960 and helped establish Penfolds as a producer of serious sensual reds. Cabernet provides the structure and combines beautifully with the richness of shiraz. This is often referred to as "Baby Grange".